Kukla's Korner Hockey

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said Connolly is no closer to being cleared to exercise because of concussion-related problems. And because he will need several weeks to get into shape once he is allowed to work out, his earliest possible return wouldn't be until January....
"You know there's going to be a breaking point where he's going to feel better," Ruff said. "In my eyes, it has maybe taken a little bit longer, but we know, from our point, there's nothing we can do. The last time around was a long one, and this one is turning out to be a long one, too."
Connolly has stopped hanging around Buffalo's dressing room because not being able to play was too agonizing.